Fundraising efforts under way to fix Dexter tennis courts|
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Observer photo/Mike Lange |
Contributed Article
DEXTER — The Chris Theriault Memorial Tennis Courts at Ellms Field in Dexter are in much need of repair.
There are cracks and broken pieces in several places covering both courts and they are virtually unplayable.
The high school tennis teams must play their home games here because there are no other public courts in town. The general public has use of these courts also because they are owned by the town of Dexter.
But the town does not have the funds needed in its budget to do the necessary repairs. There is a total of only $3,800 currently earmarked for the tennis courts.
The courts were built in 1985 and have already been resurfaced twice. Resurfacing them a third time will only last about one or two years and their condition will be back to what it is now.
According to a local contractor, after removing the existing fence and demolishing the existing surface, the groundwork needs to be re-shimmed in order to provide a solid, level surface. Then the surface will need a layer of asphalt.
After that, Maine Tennis and Track can come in and furnish the Novacrylic Combination Surface System, paint the lines and re-hang the nets. The fence will then need to be re-installed.
The quotes for the fencing, ground work, asphalt and the new surface total $58,324.
In order to bring the great sport of tennis back to Dexter, the Dexter Tennis Court Project is asking for the public’s help.
An anonymous donor has offered to put $25,000 toward the project if the balance can be raised locally. An additional $10,000 matching grant has also been secured.
One way to donate easily is through the Dexter Redemption Center. Anyone bringing bottles and cans to the center can designate the refunds for the tennis court rebuilding project.
For more information, email dextertenniscourtproject@gmail.com and visit the Dexter Tennis Court Project Facebook page for updates.